Smith River

STATE PARK

Smith River

STATE PARK

Experience a multi-day float trip on the Smith River if you are lucky enough to draw a permit in the annual lottery. Noted for its spectacular scenery and renowned trout fishing, the Smith River is unique with only one public put-in and take-out site for the entire 59 miles.

Colin Maas manages Smith River and Sluice Boxes State Parks. He began his career with Montana State Parks as a seasonal Park Ranger in 1996. Other experience includes seasons as a river ranger on the Blackfoot and Smith Rivers as well as working in numerous state parks in western Montana. Colin earned his B.S. in Recreation Resource Management from the University of Montana - Missoula. He was born and raised in Minot, ND.

Smith River

STATE PARK

Smith River State Park offers gorgeous scenery in a remote setting. Renowned trout fishing is just one of the recreational opportunities that make a float trip on the 59-mile Smith River an unforgettable experience.

The Smith River is so popular that a permit is required to float it. The permit process allows visitors a quality, multi-day float in relative solitude.

Smith River State Park has one put-in point (Camp Baker) and one take-out point (Eden Bridge) for the entire 59-mile stretch. The river is accessible only by non-motorized watercraft, including; rafts, canoes, kayaks and drift boats. Rowers and paddlers should have at least intermediate level skills. On average, visitors take four days to float the river.

From May 15 - July 15 floaters can stay on the river a maximum of four nights only. To help preserve the unique quality of the Smith River canyon, overnight camping must take place at designated boat camps.

Since the Smith River flows through a remote canyon, there are some things to keep in mind for this adventure; there are no public services from Camp Baker to Eden Bridge. Floaters must carry their own food, water, safety, camping equipment and a fishing license. It is advisable to bring all the drinking water you will need for the duration of your trip, as there is no drinking water available at the put-in location of Camp Baker. Also, Camp Baker does not have trash dumpsters, but one is available at the Eden Bridge takeout point along with aluminum-recycling bins.

All applications must be POSTMARKED or submitted on or before Thursday, February 16, 2017.

Up to 15 people can float with one permit.

A person applying for a Smith River permit must be a minimum of 12 years of age at the time they submit their permit application. There is no age restriction to participate on a Smith River float trip.

Peak Season Waiting Period – A person who receives a permit through the lottery for a launch date during the time period of May 15 through July 15 (peak season) will not be allowed to apply for a permit for this same time period the following year. This restriction pertains even if the permit is cancelled. They may still apply for launch dates outside of the peak season, accompany another permitted trip on any date, or acquire a cancelled permit for any date.

Permit results will be posted online beginning March 2, 2017 at MyFWP on fwp.mt.gov. Only successful applicants will be notified via US Postal Service. FWP does not notify unsuccessful permit applicants.

If you aren't awarded a permit, you still have a chance to float the Smith River by calling the Smith River Reservation & Information Line at (406) 454-5861 beginning March 13 (between 8am and Noon, Monday through Friday) to request any remaining launch dates or cancelled permits. You can also book a trip with one of the eight authorized Smith River outfitters, listed below.

In addition to the regular private float trip permits, FWP issues one Super Permit each year through a separate lottery (see information below). The recipient of the permit will be allowed to launch on any date of their choosing for that year.

Important Dates

January 3, 2017 – Application period begins for Smith River Private Float permits and Smith River Super permit.

February 16, 2017 – Deadline to apply for the Smith River Private Float permit, post-marked on or before this date. The Super Permit lottery remains open until March 16.

March 02, 2017 – Permit results will be posted online at MyFWP

March 13, 2017 – Beginning March 13 and throughout the float season, prospective floaters may call the Smith River Reservation Line at (406) 454-5861 between 8 a.m. and noon on weekdays to request any remaining launch dates or cancelled permits.

March 16, 2017 – Deadline to apply for the Smith River Super Permit lottery.

The application period for the Smith River Super Permit lottery is January 3 - March 16, 2017

Chances may be purchased, starting January 3, 2017, online through the Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) Automated Licensing System and at any FWP regional office or license provider. This is a good option for another chance for a float, if you aren't awarded a permit in the regular drawing.

Montana State Parks issues one Super Permit each year through a separate lottery from the Private Float Permit lottery. The recipient of the Super Permit will be allowed to launch on any date of their choosing for that season. Float fees are not included with the Super Permit and must be paid when registering at Camp Baker. There is no limit to the number of chances someone may purchase ($5 per chance). The money from the sale of Super Permit chances will directly benefit the Smith River Corridor Enhancement Account.

Reservation LineIf you aren't awarded a permit, you still have a chance to float the Smith River by calling the Smith River Reservation Line at (406) 454-5861 beginning March 13, 2017 (between 8am and Noon, Monday through Friday) to request any remaining launch dates or cancelled permits. Unsuccessful applicants can also book a trip with one of the eight authorized Smith River outfitters listed below.

Respect Private Property – Approximately 80% of the property through the Smith River corridor is private property. The success of Smith River State Park & River Corridor depends upon cooperation with private property owners.Learn more »

Fishing Ethics – Be aware of how you can prevent the spread of aquatic disease and exotic species, and protect waterbirds.Learn more »

The following list of commercial outfitters are the only outfitters permitted and authorized by both Montana FWP and the U.S. Forest Service to provide float trips on the Smith River in 2015. It is illegal for any unauthorized outfitter or individual to provide commercial services to Smith River floaters (This does not apply to vehicle shuttles or bed and breakfasts).

If you wish to hire the services of an outfitter, do not apply for a private permit in the drawing, since each outfitter is allocated a specific number of launches for specific days of the week and month. Outfitter launch calendar

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) provides this list of private services (shuttles, equipment rentals, and accommodations) solely for the convenience of the recreating public. In providing this list FWP assumes no liability whatsoever for any loss incurred by anyone, including any person who may choose to make use of these services nor does FWP make any express or implied warranty or representation of competency or fitness of these services.

Shuttles and Equipment Rentals

Services offered: All River Equipment specializes in sales and rentals of self bailing rafts and NRS raft accessories, kayaks, stand up paddle boards, canoes, bear resistant coolers, camp gear, dry bags, camp kitchen gear and logistic services at the best prices around. Smith River packages are available and All River offers equipment drop off and pick up services.

Services offered:Rentals, shuttles and sales of rafts, catarafts, canoes, kayaks, inflatable kayaks, personal pontoons, SUP boards, and trailers. Our rafts are 2013 & 2014, state of the art, self-bailing boats complete with Smith River specialized and adjustable NRS rowing and fishing frames, with multi-day discounts. Complete river camping and fishing equipment rentals are available. Vehicle shuttles can be provided, as well as full service pick up and drop off service for people and equipment. Deluxe rental packages are a popular option, which include boats, camping, cooking gear, food packed in coolers and delivered to the put in and picked up at the take out.

Launch Choice Report ( 16 KB) – See how many Smith River Permit applicants applied for specific dates on the calendar the previous year, including first, second and third choices and the grand total.

Smith River Management Plan ( 6.0 MB) – To ensure that the resources are protected and the Smith River experience remains high, this plan directs the long range development and management of the river corridor.

2015 Smith River Annual Report ( 1.9 MB) – A summary of visitor use statistics, management activities and resource and social conditions on the Smith River corridor during the 2015 field season.

In honor of Montana State Parks’ 75th anniversary, Montana artist Monte Dolack was commissioned to paint “Smith River in June.” The painting was made possible by a generous gift from the Lee and Donna Metcalf Charitable Foundation and was donated to Montana State Parks. Prints of the painting are available for sale on the Montana State Parks online store with all proceeds benefitting Montana State Parks.

The painting was unveiled in a ceremony with artist Monte Dolack (left) and Governor Steve Bullock. The original artwork will hang in the state capitol throughout Montana State Parks’ 75th anniversary year.

Enjoy this short 4 minute film about Monte Dolack's creation of "Smith River in June." Justin Lubke and Story Road Films produced the film short in partnership with Montana State Parks.

Governor Steve Bullock and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks established an Advisory Council that advises the Department on issues related to management and stewardship of recreational, natural and cultural resources associated with Smith River State Park and River Corridor.